Books

My Top 5 Presidential Biographies

Washington’s God: Religion, Liberty, and the Father of Our Country Michael Novak and Jana Novak

A rich and readable examination of what the nation’s first President and most important founder believed. With overwhelming evidence, the Novaks debunk myths about Washington’s alleged deism.

* * *

Faith and the Presidency: From George Washington to George W. Bush Gary Scott Smith

This examination of 11 Presidents’ faith is remarkably balanced and sourced in great detail. Arguably the seminal work on the faith of our Presidents, the chapter on Jefferson alone is worth the price tag.

* * *

John Adams David Mccullough

In this Pulitzer Prize–winning biography, McCullough resurrects John Adams — one of our most thoughtful, intellectual, spiritual, and influential founders — from an unforgivable period of historical omission.

* * *

Nixon: A Life Jonathan Aitken

Aitken came to know Nixon well and had unprecedented access to the former President’s family and other sources. The revelations in this insightful book include startling information on John F. Kennedy and the 1960 election, plus a pious side of Nixon that few witnessed.

* * *

The First Cold Warrior Elizabeth Edwards Spalding

This Harry Truman biography is more academic than most books about his colorful personality and presidency. Spalding’s final chapter is a substantive treatment of Truman’s underestimated faith, particularly in relation to his Cold War anti-Communism.

* * *

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life is available from ChristianBook.com and other retailers.

Previous Top 5 lists have featured books on World Christianity, Ancient-Future Faith, the Civil Rights Era, Social Justice, Church History, Popular Culture, the Civil War, Apologetics, Atheism, and Sex.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

Black Hope Faces a Crisis

Thomas Anderson

An influential academic theory says anti-Black racism won’t change. As it trickles into popular culture, the church should be ready to respond.

We Need the Doctrine of Hell

The harsh reality shows us our depths of depravity and the depth of Christ’s redemption.

News

Extremist Attacks Leave Dozens of Christians Dead in Afghanistan

A Pakistani pastor who baptized several of the victims continues shepherding church members living under Taliban rule.

Public Theology Project

8 Things I’ve Learned About How to Make a Major Life Decision

Russell Moore on the mid-level choices that perplex us.

Let the Little Children Hang with Church Grandmas

In our age-segregated society, I’m grateful for the elder saints who counsel and invest in my children.

The Russell Moore Show

McKay Coppins on the Hidden Dangers of Online Sports Gambling

McKay Coppins spent one year and $10,000 of The Atlantic’s money to find out the truth about sports betting.

Quashing Political Violence Requires We Tame Our Tongues

The manifesto of the WHCD shooting suspect was biblically superficial and wrong. It was also unsettlingly familiar.

addApple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseellipseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squarefolderGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintremoveRSSRSSSaveSavesaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube